1. To manage or govern in point of behavior; to discipline; to handle; to restrain. [Obs.] "He did behave his anger ere 't was spent." Shak.2. To carry; to conduct; to comport; to manage; to bear; -- used reflexively. "Those that behaved themselves manfully." 2 Macc. ii. 21.Behave (Be*have"), v. i.

To act; to conduct; to bear or carry one's self; as, to behave well or ill.^ This verb is often used colloquially without an adverb of manner; as, if he does not behave, he will be punished. It is also often applied to inanimate objects; as, the ship behaved splendidly.